Does everything that’s done in the name of learning always make sense? Here are 11 stories about
performance improvement gone awry, from getting away (far, far away) from the office to total makeover
to the edifice complex and more. Enjoy!

One of the most basic, seemingly most simple, elements of instruction—giving directions—seems like it
ought to be so easy. Unfortunately, “simple” often turns out to be anything but “easy.” Giving clear
instructions is something of an art, and here are some resources to support mastering it.

A house is no better than the foundation under it, and the same is true for eLearning: if the infrastructure
won’t support it, you’ve got (expensive) trouble. Learn from this example that is currently creating so much
concern in the US.

Video plays a big part in classroom instruction; instructors lead learners through discussion and processing
of the content. But video in eLearning is most often passive: no discussion or processing. By setting the
stage, encouraging comments, asking for reaction, and giving the camera to the learner, you can turn
video back into an engaging, socially facilitated activity. Here’s how!

”Smile sheets.” “Happy sheets.” We often hear level-one evaluation (the learner’s reaction to instruction)
dismissed as trivial or unimportant. But maybe we’ve been asking the wrong questions. Here’s why level
one is important—and how to do it in a way that provides insights that matter and that supports correct
assessment of your work.

We know, as designers, that a bulleted, text-heavy display of information is neither interesting nor
compelling to most learners. What would make for an interesting or surprising look? What would break
beyond the usual linear, bullets-in-a column structure? Consider the alternatives from designer Tracy
Parish suggested in this month’s column.

Sometimes a trip down Memory Lane is worth making. The differences you remember between the
best and the worst educational experiences you’ve had can be excellent guides to making better
experiences for the learners in your organization. You can even turn the memories into a course-
improvement checklist. Here’s a guided tour through those experiences.

A good treatment moves a program from being a presentation to being an effective way to influence
workplace performance. Here are two outstanding examples of better-than-good treatment that don’t
depend on technology, money, or skill with any tool. This column could seriously change the direction of
careers.

Some instructional designers write the assessment (the criterion test) first, and some write the test after
they have finished designing the course and creating the content. Which way is right? Here are six key
points you should consider as you plan your next eLearning project.